Episode 6: For the Love of Music — Rhythm and Embodied Learning feat. Dr. Kim Rockell

Can teachers who do not consider themselves musical still use music to help students develop a sense of English rhythm?
In this episode, Dr. Kim Rockell, an ethnomusicologist and language educator at Komazawa University in Tokyo, reflects on a life shaped by music, discipline, and teaching. From early listening at home to formal study in cello, guitar, and ethnomusicology, and time spent playing bass in a hard rock band, his path shows how musical understanding develops through practice rather than talent alone.

For educators, Professor Rockell explains how rhythm can be taught through simple, structured activities such as body percussion, without requiring musical training. He describes how learners internalize timing, stress, and flow in English through physical engagement rather than abstract explanation.

For non-educators, the episode offers a thoughtful and personal conversation with a multi-talented musician and teacher. Professor Rockell shares stories of mentorship, reflects on his teaching journey from Taiwan to Japan, and plays guitar during the episode, making it an engaging listen beyond the classroom.

At its core, this episode explores how rhythm, discipline, and embodied practice shape how people learn, communicate, and express themselves.

Below are links to articles and musicians mentioned in thus episode:

Teaching Language Through Music: Reflections of a Professional Musician

By: Kim Rockell

https://www.mindbrained.org/2025/02/teaching-language-through-music-reflections-of-a-professional-musician/

Antonio Losada Spanish Classical guitarist. Influential teacher

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5-xP1XxLHE

John Mills

https://classicalguitarmagazine.com/50-years-after-his-master-class-with-segovia-john-mills-reflects-on-that-formative-event/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzAnV3Q6QMY

Gamelan - Indonesian

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZZTfu4jWcI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVHhCIQO57w

 Bruno Nettl

https://archon.library.illinois.edu/archives/?p=creators/creator&id=1575

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